I had so much growing up and I'm so thankful for all the people

Michael Chandler, the warrior of the octagon and a man of fierce resolve, once declared: “I had so much growing up and I'm so thankful for all the people who invested in my life.” These words resound with humility and remembrance, for they show that even the strongest champions know their strength is not their own. Behind every fighter, every leader, every creator, there are countless unseen hands that sowed seeds, offered guidance, and lit the way when darkness threatened to overwhelm.

The origin of this statement lies in Chandler’s journey from small-town beginnings to the grand stage of mixed martial arts. Though known for his grit and relentless work ethic, Chandler does not attribute his path solely to his own will. Instead, he honors the teachers, coaches, parents, and mentors who poured into him—those who saw potential when it was still hidden, those who invested their time, energy, and wisdom so that he might rise higher than he could have alone. His words remind us that greatness is a shared creation, woven from the sacrifices of many.

History is filled with echoes of this truth. Consider the life of Alexander the Great, whose conquests reshaped the ancient world. Though his name is remembered, he himself often acknowledged the influence of his tutor Aristotle, who shaped his mind and character. Or think of Helen Keller, whose achievements would not have been possible without the patient labor of her teacher Anne Sullivan, who invested her entire being to open Keller’s world to knowledge and communication. Just as Chandler gave thanks for those who invested in him, so too have the greatest figures of history stood upon the foundation laid by others.

At the heart of Chandler’s words is the principle of gratitude for investment. To be invested in is to be loved, to be guided, and to be believed in. This is not something earned by merit alone; it is often given freely, as a gift of faith from one generation to the next. Gratitude recognizes that such investment is priceless—it cannot be repaid in full, but it can be honored through humility, remembrance, and by passing it forward.

To the youth, his teaching is clear: seek out and cherish those who invest in you. Do not take their time, their sacrifice, or their belief for granted. Listen deeply to your mentors, respect your parents, honor your teachers, and remember that their work is shaping your future even when you do not see it. And when the time comes, do not hoard your success—become an investor in others, sowing seeds of guidance and encouragement into those who walk after you.

To the elders and leaders, this quote is both affirmation and calling. Your labor, though it may sometimes feel unseen, carries eternal weight. Every word of encouragement, every sacrifice of time, every act of belief is shaping lives beyond your sight. Michael Chandler’s gratitude shows that such investment does not vanish into the void—it lives on in the greatness of those you nurture.

The eternal wisdom here is this: no one rises alone, and gratitude is the proper response to investment. Chandler’s thankfulness is a reminder that all victories are shared victories, and that the strongest legacy one can leave is not wealth or fame, but the lives strengthened through guidance and love.

Thus, let this teaching be passed down: honor those who invested in you, carry their sacrifices as part of your story, and in turn invest in others. For gratitude transforms memory into wisdom, and investment creates a chain of strength that binds generations together in purpose and hope.